Just 10 weeks after undergoing knee surgery a Norfolk astronomer is set to take part in an epic Arctic trek - all in order to raise money for Barnardo's.
Mark Thompson agreed to take part in the challenge along with TV presenter Helen Fospero and a team of other intrepid explorers.
But then around a year ago, he was injured while skiing.
Mr Thomspon said: 'I had a holiday skiing where things were fine but I came back to Hemel Hempstead indoor skiing park and fell over, twisting my lower leg.'
Mr Thompson had to have anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
But while many people would be able to carry on after recovering, Mr Thompson knew he had to push himself further to prepare for his trek.
'I was working with a physio, but they don't necessarily gear you up for an Arctic trek,' he said. 'So I've been working with a personal trainer to develop new, different exercises to develop quicker and be ready for the Arctic.'
That personal trainer is Mark Bone, from Phoenix Gym in Norwich, who has been getting Mr Thompson up to peak fitness.
But Mr Thompson said the danger was that because he had just had a new ligament put in place, if he was wearing skis or snow shoes, and got stuck, it could get twisted again.
'I have to keep other muscles suitable so they could cope with that eventuality,' he said.
While out on the trek, Mr Thompson will be conducting some experiments, and building igloos - but some other activities are remaining a secret.
And he is taking a camera with him, which he hopes to use to update those back in the UK.
Mr Thompson is also planning on capturing shots of the Northern Lights, but he said the skies in the Arctic would not be much different.
'We won't be able to see anything different but of course I have got to take a telescope to see what I can see.'
• To follow Mr Thompson's progress or donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mark-Thompson-Astronomer• To secure a copy of an Arctic night time shot visit www.generosity.com/fundraising/raising-funds-for-barnardo-s-children-s-charity
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